Postpartum psychiatric disorders

Pregnancy is a complex and vulnerable period that presents a number of challenges to women, including the development of postpartum psychiatric disorders (PPDs). These disorders can include postpartum depression and anxiety, which are relatively common, and the rare but more severe postpartum psychosis. In addition, other PPDs can include obsessive–compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. The aetiology of PPDs is a complex interaction of psychological, social and biological factors, in addition to genetic and environmental factors. The goals of treating postpartum mental illness are reducing maternal symptoms and supporting maternal–child and family functioning. Women and their families should receive psychoeducation about the illness, including evidence-based discussions about the risks and benefits of each treatment option. Developing effective strategies in global settings that allow the delivery of targeted therapies to women with different clinical phenotypes and severities of PPDs is essential

Experiences and perceptions of abused Turkish women regarding violence against women

Bahadir Yilmaz, Emel/0000-0003-1785-3539WOS: 000463787900017PubMed: 30353446This study qualitatively explored abused Turkish women's experiences and perceptions regarding violence against women. The research sample comprised 30 women who were seen by the police and referred to the Family Counseling Center between 2 October 2012 and 30 August 2013 due to domestic violence. Study data were collected using a Demographic Information Datasheet and a Semi-Structured Interview Form. Qualitative data were gathered using face-to-face interviews, which were transcribed verbatim then analyzed and interpreted to determine themes using the conceptual framework. Qualitative analysis yielded five themes: (1) being subjected to all types of violence; (2) everything is an excuse for violence; (3) forgetting what it is like to be a woman; (4) having to continue the marriage against her will; (5) being forced to do some things involuntarily in order to reduce the violence. In the light of these results, it seems that multidisciplinary approaches are required in order to support women both psychologically and socially. Women need to be supported in order to determine their mental health problems and to get the required medical assistance